This week marks the first for households and small
businesses in Central New York and the state’s Southern Tier to enroll for a
community solar subscription with a new, more customer-friendly contract. Three
projects, each composing 2.7 MWdc, are owned by local developer Delaware River
Solar (DRS). Solstice, a non-profit that supports community solar access, has
initiated a campaign to enroll customers in eligible areas. Subscriptions are
available to locals of Central New York and the Southern Tier, including the
cities of Ithaca, Elmira, and Binghamton.
“Delaware River Solar is providing residents and businesses
the opportunity to directly participate in a local renewable energy resource
while saving money, so no doubt we’re excited,” said Dan Green of DRS. “This is
a win-win for project participants, local communities, and the
environment.”
Compared to typical projects in the state, these community
solar farms offer a more customer-friendly contract. Delaware River Solar is
offering a subscription rate 10% beneath that of the utility, with a shorter
six-year term compared to the lengthy twenty-year commitments offered by many other
community solar providers. Moreover, the project has no cancellation fees,
giving subscribers added flexibility. For those that prefer an
ownership model, DRS offers households the option to purchase panels upfront,
bringing them benefits for the lifetime of the panels while allowing
them to take advantage of tax credits.
Solstice CEO Steph Speirs anticipates the program to be a
success. “These are the most customer-friendly projects we’ve offered,” she
said. “We’re thrilled to be working with DRS to get solar in the hands of more
New Yorkers.”
Each project occupies an 11-acre parcel of former farmland
and will serve approximately four hundred households. Two are located near
Baldwin’s Chemung Road, while a third lies further north, on Podunk Road in
Enfield. On top of benefits to its subscribers, the projects will bring 37 jobs
to the area during its construction, protect 14 acres of land for future
use, and provide approximately $390,000 dollars in additional revenues to the
county, town, and school district over a 20-year period.
Interested individuals can learn more and enroll at ny.solstice.us.
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